Oh Gerry dear - it is really hard to have a DH around - after years of them being at work all day - always saying - I can't - I have to work - then when they are no longer working - they can't find a thing to do with themselves - well - make a "Honey DO List" Honey do this - Honey do that - see if it helps - Hehehe!

Gerry,
I have been "retired" for several years, but work harder now at
home, than when the kids were all home. My husband has not retired, but plans to in a few months. I can already imagine how he will hover around me, wanting me to tag along wherever he
decides to go, when I have a lot of work and "playing" to do! He's a sweet guy and I love him dearly, but, I envision being bald (from pulling my hair out) within a few months after he retires! LOL
On weekends now, I try to appease his wishes of wanting my attention and companionship, watching movies, going shopping, etc., as he is still working during rest of the week. But, he does not "seem" to understand, a home does not clean itself, nor do clothes automatically appear on hangers all clean and ready! And, I dread to think of "retraining" him at my age! LOL (I, casually, mention to him once in awhile, that to retire to do "nothing" will cause premature death! And, if that doesn't do it, invading my "space" (privacy, work, creativity, browsing, etc.) definitely will!!) LOL
Angel

My situation also is not easy... My operated husband ( of bed), my mother very badly, my domestic maid of vacation, and today my granddaughter this here with me. My day today was... !

My DH was without work for almost eight months and now he is working only part time. It was dreadful for the first couple weeks then I decided to keep him busy really busy. Heard him talking on the phone to a buddy saying I'm working him to death. He is real good as long as there is some kind of ball game on the TV but I don't like the TV on at all during the day so he disappears to our son's (son is at college) room out of my way to watch a game. Avoid taking him shopping with me because I come home without what I need. Have to be careful not to get rid of stuff when he is around because the toss and donate piles can creep back in but if I can get stuff bagged quick I'm good. The trick is to be tactful and not too bossy.

Teach him to do some tasks with you like hooping or getting threads, whateve will help you. Who knows, he might like it so much he will take over some wok for you. Or he will decide doing his own chores would be better. Best wishes for a smoother transiion from now on.

Well - it was 5 years ago that DH quit his job and took early retirment. It was either take an early retirement or work himself to death at the job. But, after all of the years of him traveling and being gone from home, it was hard to have him at home. I was still working, and we discussed the chores. He said that as long as I worked he would do the laundry, the floors, and the windows. He would not touch the kitchen. He did say if I would make a list that he would do the grocery shopping. 2 years ago my company allowed me to start working from home. I have a separate office for my job, and go up there is the mornings and work til I get everything done. But, he has kept his word. DH likes to do projects, and usually has something to do around the house, or the property so he is not watching TV, but does do the Facebook thing a lot. LOL

Keep him busy. Some men like doing tapestry.

Hi Gerry, this sounds like something I have been through myself. My DH and I retired about 6 years ago, moved from Johannesburg to the coast. We had been planning it for years. I took to it well - lots of time for sewing but my husband hated it. Even tho he was playing golf and tennis he still missed the buzz of working. It took him 3 years to get used to a slower life. He has now got himself involved with his tennis club and is on the committee. He has taught himself how to use a computer - had not got a clue when we retired and I was acting as his secretary which was nearly driving me mad. He cooks a bit and keeps me supplied with endless cups of tea. He also thinks I spend far too much time with all you ladies but then I remind him how much time he is away playing sport. I also wish he would do more around the home. I do not really have any advice just to say give him space. I think for men it is huge when they give up work. We as women are so different and can adapt to anything. Thank goodness he has his study and I have my little sitting/ TV/ computer/ sewing and embroidery room, so we are not under each others feet all the time. Oh, I forgot to mention he does the shopping. LOL. Keep your chin up, it will get better. Sarah.

My DH retired many years ago and those things that he didn't have time to do while he was working ....well they're still not done. Best thing to do is just not to think about him just sitting around and doing NOTHING. Think my biggest problem was just the fact that he was underfoot. Now he's in charge of the laundry...self appointed and does an excellent job. Since he loves to shop I usually let him do the grocery shopping too. Another one of those things I really don't like to do. Gerry, you're the one that will have to make the adjustments or you'll just go crazy....wish I had better news but......
Hugs, Karen